Blog
Lighting – Let the Sun In!
We have heard so much about sun light not being good for us that we have missed the impact of natural light, in particular narrow spectrum blue light, and what it can do for our health and even well-being. We have also become energy efficient with lower artificial lighting levels inside that could adversely affect […]
Signs and Things – Types
In a previous article I provided an overview of the component pieces that go into signs. So the next question is, what components go into what kinds of signs? There are many sign types, each with their own requirements and exceptions. In order to understand some of the requirements the Components article should also be […]
Signs and Things – Components
One of the most forgotten elements is signage. Basically it can be divided into three groups – permanent room signs, way-finding, and informational signs, but there are other types as well. Permanent room signs also have requirements for installation location with criteria for clear floor space in front. Height requirements have now been changed with […]
Elevators
You have an older two-story commercial building and the question is whether you are required to install an elevator. The answer to this, of course, is it depends. If your building has less than 3,000 SF per floor or is a 2-story building, generally an elevator is not required. But this is based upon what […]
Single Restrooms – What needs to be done?
Let’s say you have single accommodation restrooms in a pre-ADA building which is a place of public accommodation. There are several items to consider. What you end up doing depends on whether or not you have done any alterations to the building and how much you have spent or plan on spending. And do realize, […]
Alterations To Existing Buildings — How Much Extra Do I Have to Spend?
© 2012 Janis Kent, FAIA, Architect, CASp. Updated February 2021 You are altering an existing building. You know that the portion being altered is required to meet today’s standards of accessibility, but is that all that needs to be done? The answer to that question for the most part is no. Per the ADA when […]
Cabinetry and Sales & Service Counters
Whether you have a reception counter in an office, a reservation counter at a restaurant, or a sales counter in a store, it does need to be accessible. Since many of these items do not require a building permit, the business owner is responsible and often times relies upon the cabinetry fabricator to make it […]
Readily Achievable Barrier Removal
Janis Kent, FAIA, Architect, CASp © August, 2012. Updated February 2021 There is a common misconception – because a building is old, one is ‘grandfathered in’ so nothing needs to be done to make it accessible. This is not true. Building and business owners are indeed obligated to make places of public accommodation more accessible. […]
The Existing Swimming Pool Dilemma
The new 2010 ADAS has caused much confusion with swimming pool access for facility people and building owners in existing facilities. Although it has been in the Guidelines since 2004 the confusion appears to stem from what is considered Readily Achievable for this specific element for places of public accommodation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) […]
Carpets and Area Rugs
You want your lobby, waiting room, or seating area to have a more residential or intimate feel to the space. So you place a lovely area rug on top of the wall-to-wall carpet or hard surfaced floor. No problem, right? Well, yes there is. The issue is, that even though the size is much larger […]